Campos Chartered Law/ Hess Kennedy

if this is the same campos im working with, they are shady. Everything I look at from them has a different address on it. They have lied to me on at least 10 different occasions and now refuse to give me a refund...after telling me 3 times i could have a complete refund...

my father is on the phone with someone from Campos Charter right now. There seems to be mixed feelings about them and I dont know if I should try to stop him from doing anything or not.

my father is on the phone with someone from Campos Charter right now. There seems to be mixed feelings about them and I dont know if I should try to stop him from doing anything or not.

Plz tell him to read all this info on them before doing anything!
He needs to get as much info on them first!
Much luck,
Ang

Thanks for all the advice here. We spoke with the BBB and they had only good things to say about Campos Chartered Law Firm, very few complaints with 10,000's of clients, which is superb. So, thanks for steering us to them.

ROB1974 - How can they have 10,000's of clients if they have only been in business since apr. 2007, They already have BBB complaints and Attorney Campos used to work for Hess Kennedy who is getting out of the same business and have numerous complaints, its the same scam with a new name. How can they tell you that there 36 month program works when they have only been in business for 7 months?????

Just thought I'd add this tidbit to the mix of things that Hess Kennedy is up to: Looks like they are masquerading as The Achieveable. I got caught up in this before I learned about this forum. I hope I can get out of it w/o having to file a claim with the BBB. Not only is Campos located in FL, but there is a branch in Syosset, NY.

The Achievable's contact webpage: theachievable.com/contact/and their customer service webpage: theachievable.com/contact/cs/paymentaddress.asp

God, I wish I had found this forum before I lost about $1000. We'll see if they respond to the letter I faxed this morning.

Not sure what this is all about, but Campos is a member in good standing with a B+ record. We decided to go with them two years ago and couldn't be happier. We're down to our last credit card and are getting back on our feet financially. It hasn't been easy, as we were living above our means, but it's paying off for us big time. I can only encourage others to hang in there and see it through. We abused our credit cards and had a rude awakening when we were maxxed out and they bumped up our interest rates. Now we know better and will not buy anything unless we can afford it hereafter. We hope everyone else has a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We went with this law firm/settlement company and got sued after 4 months on the program. They do NOTHING to protect you. Yes we had debt DUH why else would we need a debt settlement company. Any way NO credit card company is going to wait 36 months for a payment. We stopped paying our bills and the fees and payments escaladed. Our only option was to file chapter 7 bankrupcy. Our credit was so ruined that whats the difference. They took over 5000 dollars from us. I had to contsantly call them about the POA they were suposed to send out. To me they take your money and do little else to protect you. Remember the credit card companies have LOTS of Lawyers on their side.

I'd really like to talk to some of you who have used HK and haven't been happy with their service or lack of it.

Well, Guest - you should be able to find plenty of unhappy former customers of HK on here as well as other boards on the internet.

The Campos Chartered Law Firm offers two programs. debt management (aka Consumer credit counseling) and a debt settlement program. They are two very different programs. The Debt Management program's main benefit is lowered interest rates and one payment per month. The payment isn't necessarily much lower but it does put more of your money towards the principle to get you out of debt faster, usually in 2-6 years without damaging your FICO or credit score. Unfortunately when people receive a quote they usually lean towards Debt Settlement because of how much lower the payments can be, how much more money is saves you and how much faster it gets you out of debt. The downside of the program is the deterioration of your FICO score, harassing phone calls and letters from collection agents as well as the risks of judgements or wage garnishments which are rare. Companies that offer these services are heavily monitored by the FTC. There are countless numbers of marketing companies that have agents explaining the programs and ensuring clients provide the necessary criteria for program qualifications. If a marketing agent lies or fogets to mention something important and gets someone to sign up for a program, the client receives the proper documentation that covers everything before they sign up. So if they don't read it, then they let themselves get deceived or mislead by someone who is NOT an employee of the law firm. That's why it is important to read everything before you sign it. The Campos Chartered Law Firm has a great rating with the BBB especially when it is in an industry where you have to deal with thousands of frustrated people daily who are in financial distress and looking for someone to blame. I have a lot of knowledge on this topic and am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns for anyone interested. Thanks for reading.

This guy is a joke. He sends out unsigned form letters making empty threats -- that end up in the trash. I am not even sure the letters are written by attorneys.

There are many better, and more experienced, consumer advocates out there.

I had originally signed up with Mezey & Associates in April 2007 and in November 2007 I found out my account had been transferred to Campos! No notice, no letter, no nothing.......and I do mean nothing. I have paid for 10 months now and not one debt has been remedied. Not one of my creditors has been notified. I recently was served (yes, served) a summons at my home to appear in court to settle a debt or face garnishment, etc. Well, I swallowed the big pill, tapped my 401(k) plan at work and will just take care of business myself. All of my creditors are very willing to work with me and my credit won't stay in the dumper. Run people, run!!!! You can do this yourself. It takes time and effort but you will not regret saving your credit, your pocket book, and your self esteem. We all get into trouble now and again -- mine was extreme medical bills because of my husbands terminal illness and the insurance company not paying, etc. Went through our savings, home equity, credit cards, etc. Michael Moore hits the nail on the head with his documentary SICKO -- but that is another subject. Keep the spirit -- I did and this will not get me down!!!

Unbiased, sorry but I have to disagree with you statement that the risks of judgments and wage garnishments are rare. Not rare at all, and happening more and more often. I was sued for judgment by a collector even though I was in a debt consolidation plan and had made a few payments on the debt. The collector had only had the debt for 1 month after the original creditor turned it over to them, and the debt was only $2500, so we're not talking a huge debt.

There are others on here who've had multiple suits for judgment filed against them when they were in a settlement program, so it's very risky.

Hello,

In October 2007 I signed up with Campos Chartered Law Firm. 2 days ago I got my first debt collection notice. I just found this website and my question is, is this law firm a scam and should I discontinue their services? Or can it really help me get out of debt, just as I was told? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Mandy

How much debt have you placed with them, and how far behind are you? If Campos is part of Hess Kennedy, run and don't look back...

They cannot prevent you from being sued, and I found that I was able to successfully settle my debts on my own, and for as low an amount as most settlement firms claim they can negotiate. Wish I had done that long before getting mixed up with the whole settlement/consolidation con.

Tiffany99- I placed about 12,000 with them, and I stopped paying on them in October, just as I was told to do. How can I settle my debts on my own? I would appreciate more information on this. Thanks

Mandy

Call your creditor/collection agency and offer a settlement that you can afford. They may say they can't take that figure and give you a counter-offer, but keep countering back until you reach a figure you can manage.

Don't give them access to your account by doing a check by phone, debit/credit card, post-dated check, etc. Get the terms of the settlement in writing from them and tell them upon receiving that, you will send a cashier's check.

Does anybody know if you can get out of the law firm after you sign the contract?

I am not familiar with the HK contracts...have you looked over your contract to see if there is an exit clause?

No I have not yet look to see, I just got with this law firm realized from all the complaints that they are not trustworthy! I'm trying to figure out how to get out of this mess.

Has anyone successfully left the law firm? If so, how did you do it and did you lose all the money paid into the program? I am in desperate need of some help! If anyone has any information, please share!!

I terminated their services in January '07. I just typed up a letter telling them that effective immediately, I would no longer be using their services for the purpose of settling my debts, and hereby revoked my authorization for them to electronically debit my checking account, any further attempts would be considered unauthorized and fraudulent, and I would advise my bank to file an affidavit of fraud.

I went on to tell them exactly why I was canceling my contract with them, asked for a refund of all money that was in my settlement account as of that date and then sent the letter via certified mail/return receipt requested. Just to be safe, I also went into my bank and had them block all future debits from Hess Kennedy, in case they ignored my letter.

I did not ever receive any kind of response or acknowledgment that they had received my letter (other than the post office sending back the return receipt with a signature). I also did not get a refund of any kind, so I started calling and calling, to no avail. After months of being ignored, I finally filed a complaint with the Florida BBB and the Florida Attorney General's Office because that is where their office is located. Their "office manager", Adam Foremane, responded to both complaints with a lot of crap, but did refund the money I was asking for. I think I received my refund check from them in July.

he has another one called liberty relief in new york i'm tryin to get my money back does anyone have any ideas on how to do this i turned them into the bbb

I canceled their services on 12/8 before any work was performed, before they received any payments and before I even had a client number. Then on Christmas Eve they debited my account and I have been trying since then to get my money back. They do not return my calls and the telemarketing service I worked through MPH debt settlements act like it is out of their hands now.

File an affidavit of fraud with your bank and tell them that you did not authorize the debit. They will take it from there and get the money back to you. I would also file a complaint with the Florida BBB for starters.

I sighned up with campas 2 months ago. They said they would contact my creditors about calling me all the time but they are still calling. Have I been taken???

did u let them know that they were still calling you?

I have signed up for this company "Campos Chartered Law Firm" thinking all my credit problems would be helped from this company.....i'm confused because i was given several different phone numbers & no one seems to know how my case is being handled?!?!?! no one is returning my calls! i feel like i am being scammed!! is this company for real? someone please respond........

There is alot of info on this company and they do seem shady. Please do a search in the above box to read abot the experiences other members have had with them. there is too much for me to post here.

I recently left Campos and decided to do things on my own......I signed up in DEC 07 and made one $330 payment. I've tryed calling them for 2 days straight and I can't get through! I just want my money back!
Should I call the MN Attorney Generals office? (I live in Minnesota). What should I do?? I need that money bad!

that is what i want to know i just sighned up also no im wondering myself

I also just signed up through edebt, to help settle my debt, im very nervous, u never know with these things. If anyone has gone allll the way through with it, I would like to hear there input.

Thanks,
Crystal

I would stay far from this company as possible. I started with them over a year ago and I sent in $516.00 and got nothing done. I've never gotten my money back and never will. You'll talk with who knows who and never get your called returned. I talked with Adam, Jessica, and only got the run around. So I pulled out and settled my CC debt on my own. They even tried to pull the wool over on one of my creditors. They are not good to deal with. Check them out on the BBB. You'll see for yourself. Something is going on. (Don't know what but something!!) Stay away and settle on your own. If I can do it so can you. Have some confidence in yourself!! God bless and good luck.

so i joined campos in oct 07 and so far i have had no problems in contacting them talking with them and they have contacted my credetors i know that for a fact. ANYWAY IN NOT HERE TO BAD MOUTH ANYONE JUST TRYING HELP SO I GOT TIRED OF CREDITORS CALL ME SO I GO Privacy Corps Caller ID Manager THIS IS A NICE LITTLE UNIT IT WILL STOP THE CALL FROM GOING TO YOUR PHONE SO NO RING YOU CAN BLOCK BY PHONE NUMBER OR PART OF A PHONE NUMBER WITH A WILDCARD EXAMPLE I WAS GETTTING CREDIT CALLS FOR NEW MEXICO FRIST I BLOCKED THE CALLED NUMBER BUT THEY CHANGED THE NUMBER SO I BLOCKED THE AREA CODE AND THE EXCHANGE THEN THE EXCHANGE WAS CHANGEING SO NOT I JUST BLOCK THE ENTIRE STATE WITH JUST THE AREA CODE IT WORKS THE BEST FOR AROUND 100 WELL WORTH THE MONEY

If you are in a debt settlement program, expect the full term of 36 months.

During the pre-charge off period, creditors will try and convince you to pay them. I think the callers get paid commissions.

After charge off, make sure you know your rights as a consumer. You have more rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and state Deceptive Trade Practices Laws.

Keep a log and keep in touch with your lawyer during the next 3-5 months. After 9 months, you should ask your lawyer to sue the debt collector.

Bankrutpcy is also an alternative if you become eligible for Chapter 7. Chapter 13 is just like a debt settlement plan except no harassing phone calls.

I was orginally signed up with Mezany and associates. Campos took over about 6 months ago. I have been signed up for over 8 months now and I have not recieved any reciepts as of yet. Also when I speak to someone they have told me to document everything and send it to them. I am now being sued by my creditor, and they have told me to go to the court and say I am in debt invalidation?
I am worried that they are doing nothing for me but just taking my money which adds up to about $3200
Any advice for me.

Julie:

When did you get served? Why did they say just go to court. Campos has attorneys in each state that appear for you and defend the claim?

Call them back and tell them that it is unacceptable to be treated different. The only thing I can think of is that you did not retain campos first.

So now The chartered Campos Law Firm's new name is The Consumer Protection Law...same law firm...different name yet again.
As of yesterday I terminated my account with this shady company. If you look into them there are numerous complaints with the BBB and I will be one of them if they do not refund all my money back.
They are companies out there that do help and this is not one of them. Unfortunately it is too late to sign up with any other company because my debts are all in third party. I am not sure how I am going to individually deal with each creditor. They all want a ton of money from me which I do not have. My advice to anyone wanting to use this company is to stay away from them.

Has anyone had any dealings with Mark Burns. He said he uses Campos as the lawyer for The consuemr Law Center. Is this just a total scam or what?

Today I talked with a Paula in Irvine California about this Campos program. She sent a link to the Florida Better Business Bureau to check them out, but I can't even get the link to work! Does anyone here have anything good to say about this Legal Network of Attorneys? This Paula said they work with over 200 lawyers across the country. Is this true? :?:

for the failed mezey and associates

I HAVE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT....Mezey and Associates which changed thier name to The Campos Chartered Law Firm...and now changing to The Consumer Protection Law Center. All at P.O. Box 170 Syosset Ny 11791 I am so upset and basically screwed from my lack of informing on these companies that I have given my money to for the last 9 months....I will take legal action if they do not give me a full refund of all my money. DO NOT GO WITH THEM THEY ARE A TRUE SCAM!

I HAVE HAD NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT....Mezey and Associates which changed thier name to The Campos Chartered Law Firm...and now changing to The Consumer Protection Law Center. All at P.O. Box 170 Syosset Ny 11791 I am so upset and basically screwed from my lack of informing on these companies that I have given my money to for the last 9 months....I will take legal action if they do not give me a full refund of all my money. DO NOT GO WITH THEM THEY ARE A TRUE SCAM!

J. RACICOT UN HAPPY AND THE LATEST GUEST BEFORE THIS EMAIL IS ME. I am so ready to file to sue against this company. I am so in a bad situation that one day when I figure out how to resolve all of this I plan on getting in touch with media, news papers and local news stations. I want people in my situation to know who is for real in debt consolidation and who is not...THEY ARE NOT!

I am j.racicot... unhappy.... and the last response. If this company does not refund my monies in the last 9 months of paying for a total... scam I plan on taking action in a law suit! I encourage everyone to do so that has been worked over from them. In fact I really thing I am going to go for a law suit against them. I am in such a bind that they have created a situation that is next to impossible to get out of in any good way.

so you cant talk with anyone i can talk to everyone. you dont know how your account works they told me how it work why dont you ask them. so campos is doing nothing for you i have been with them only three month and i received letters from my creditor that they are working with campos and will not call me but direct communications to them so who is kidding who here

Perhaps everyones experience is different. It is possible.

perhaps the are collection people here saying these things to keep you from getting out of debt this way i have asked creditor to help all i got was you need to pay you min. balance now that i joined campos they will all talk and try to settle and want to help when i asked for help the creditors said nope now they are all willing now they can deal with campos as fare as im concerned